Coetzee has not lost his passion

FIGHTBACK: BOK LOOSIE TARGETS LIONS TOUR IN 2021

Though he did not attend the recent World Cup as a player, having the chance to support the national team from a distance was enough for Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee, who admits his passion for the sport helped soften the blow.

The 28-year-old Ulster flank picked up concussion and an ankle injury in the one-off Test against Argentina at Loftus, on the eve of the team’s departure to the showpiece in Japan.

“It was very disappointing for me and it wasn’t the first time,” said Coetzee, who also missed the 2015 World Cup through injury.

“Being selected to play that game against the Pumas was a chance to show what I can do, but unfortunately it did not go my way.

“To have the HIA (head injury assessment) test go against me and then the ankle injury on top of that was very hard to swallow.”

Coetzee had been a fan before he started playing rugby, however, and he felt this was some consolation.

“I shout a lot at the TV and I shout at the referees.

“It’s a good thing they can’t hear me,” he said.

“I have great mates in the Bok team, particularly someone like Pieter-Steph (du Toit), and I shared their joy.”

Coetzee, who played 74 Super

Rugby games for the Sharks before joining Honda Heat and Ulster in 2016, made his Bok debut in 2012 against England in his former home town of Durban.

Having since played 30 Tests, he still treasured the honour of wearing the Bok jersey.

“In the end you have to decide. Are you going to just lie down and take it, or are you going to fight back?” Coetzee said.

“So now I’m targeting the British and Irish Lions tour of 2021.

“While the injury was a tough one for me to swallow, time does heal all wounds and I resolved that I just had to get back on the horse and start riding again.”

Having recovered from serious injury, he was pleased to be back on the park.

“Injuries just make you hungry to play again,” he said.

“Whether it is at the highest level, whether it is for Ulster or for the Boks, it is great to just be able to play and focus on that.”

Being selected to play that game against the Pumas was a chance to show what I can do, but unfortunately it didn’t go my way.

Marcell Coetzee